Intervención psicoeducativa para prevenir el embarazo en adolescentes en condiciones de COVID-19

Introducción: la adolescencia constituye una etapa de riesgos. Actualmente, la tendencia al embarazo en este grupo etario es frecuente, por lo que resulta oportuno realizar intervenciones psicoeducativas para los padres, los familiares y la comunidad. Objetivo: realizar una intervención psicoeducativa para prevenir el embarazo en adolescentes, bajo condiciones de COVID 19, desde la multidisciplinariedad. Métodos: se realizó una intervención psicoeducativa multidisciplinaria con adolescentes desde enero a diciembre de 2021 en el área de salud Policlínico Joaquín de Agüero y Agüero de la ciudad de Camagüey. El universo de estudio estuvo integrado por las 127 adolescentes, pertenecientes al consultorio médico 7; se seleccionó una muestra de 93 mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple. El procesamiento se realizó utilizando el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 21 y se efectuó la validación y revisión de la misma. Como medida de resumen de la información se utilizaron los porcentajes (%) y como medida de significación estadística Mc Nemar. Resultados: predominó el grupo de edad entre 17 a 19 años, con un nivel de escolaridad de preuniversitario. El diagnóstico evidenció que las adolescentes al inicio de la investigación no tenían información sobre el embarazo, métodos anticonceptivos, repercusiones y complicaciones del mismo. La implementación de la intervención psicoeducativa logró incrementar su nivel de información respecto a estos aspectos. Existió diferencia estadísticamente significativa al evaluar el nivel de información general antes y después de la intervención. Discusión: en las investigaciones acerca del embarazo en la adolescencia, existió un predominio del grupo de edad de 17 a 19 años y esta es la edad promedio de la fecundidad, lo que coincide con los resultados del estudio realizado en esta localidad por este equipo multidisciplinario, evidenciando un problema de salud. Se constató la necesidad de realizar acciones psicoeducativas para incrementar la información y evitar embarazos en este grupo etario.

Introduction: adolescence is a stage of risks. Currently, the tendency to get pregnant in this age group is frequent, so it is opportune to carry out psychoeducational interventions for parents, family members and the community. Objective: to carry out a psychoeducational intervention to prevent pregnancy in adolescents, under conditions of COVID 19, from multidisciplinarity. Methods: a multidisciplinary psychoeducational intervention was carried out with adolescents from January to December 2021 in the Joaquín de Agüero y Agüero Polyclinic health area in the city of Camagüey. The universe of study was made up of 127 adolescents, belonging to medical office 7; a sample of 93 was selected by simple random sampling. The processing was carried out using the statistical package SPSS version 21 and its validation and revision was carried out. Percentages (%) were used as a summary measure of the information and Mc Nemar as a measure of statistical significance. Results: the age group between 17 to 19 years predominated, with a pre-university level of education. The diagnosis showed that the adolescents at the beginning of the investigation did not have information about the pregnancy, contraceptive methods, its repercussions and complications. The implementation of the psychoeducational intervention managed to increase their level of information regarding these aspects. There was a statistically significant difference when evaluating the level of general information before and after the intervention. Discussion: in the investigations about pregnancy in adolescence, there was a predominance of the age group of 17 to 19 years and this is the average age of fertility, which coincides with the results of the study carried out in this locality by this multidisciplinary team, evidencing a health problem. The need to carry out psychoeducational actions to increase information and prevent pregnancies in this age group was verified.

Are birds more afraid in urban parks or cemeteries? A Latin American study contrasts with results from Europe.

The escape behaviour, measured as flight initiation distance (FID; the distance at which individuals take flight when approached by a potential predator, usually a human in the study systems), is a measure widely used to study fearfulness and risk-taking in animals. Previous studies have shown significant differences in the escape behaviour of birds inhabiting cemeteries and urban parks in European cities, where birds seem to be shyer in the latter. We collected a regional dataset of the FID of birds inhabiting cemeteries and parks across Latin America in peri-urban, suburban and urban parks and cemeteries. FIDs were recorded for eighty-one bird species. Mean species-specific FIDs ranged from 1.9 to 19.7 m for species with at least two observations (fifty-seven species). Using Bayesian regression modelling and controlling for the phylogenetic relatedness of the FID among bird species and city and country, we found that, in contrast to a recent publication from Europe, birds escape earlier in cemeteries than parks in the studied Latin American cities. FIDs were also significantly shorter in urban areas than in peri-urban areas and in areas with higher human density. Our results indicate that some idiosyncratic patterns in animal fearfulness towards humans may emerge among different geographic regions, highlighting difficulties with scaling up and application of regional findings to other ecosystems and world regions. Such differences could be associated with intrinsic differences between the pool of bird species from temperate European and mostly tropical Latin American cities, characterized by different evolutionary histories, but also with differences in the historical process of urbanization.

Diabetes mellitus remission in a cat with hyperadrenocorticism after cabergoline treatment.

CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat weighing 5 kg was referred with polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, abdominal distension and dermatologic abnormalities. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed and treatment was started with a diet for diabetic cats and insulin glargine (1 IU q12h SC). Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) was suspected and diagnosed based on clinical signs, increased urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio, lack of suppression on low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and abdominal ultrasonography demonstrating bilateral adrenal enlargement. Oral cabergoline (10 µg/kg every other day) was initiated. After the second administration of cabergoline, the cat suffered from clinical hypoglycemia and no longer required insulin. One month after insulin withdrawal, blood work and urine analysis results showed normoglycemia, a normal serum fructosamine concentration (244 µmol/l) and normal urine analysis without glycosuria. Diabetic remission persisted until its death 7 months later. In addition, cabergoline treatment was associated with improvement in clinical signs such as lethargy, seborrhea, alopecia and abdominal distension. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the use of cabergoline in a cat with HAC, as well as the first reported case of diabetic remission in a cat with HAC after cabergoline treatment. Cabergoline could be an alternative treatment for diabetic cats with pituitary-dependent HAC. Further work should focus on different protocols with greater number of cases.

Characterization of the secretory profile and exosomes of limbal stem cells in the canine species.

Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are a quiescent cell population responsible for the renewal of the corneal epithelium. Their deficiency is responsible for the conjunctivization of the cornea that is seen in different ocular pathologies, both in humans and in the canine species. The canine species represents an interesting preclinical animal model in ocular surface pathologies. However, the role of LSCs in physiological and pathological conditions in canine species is not well understood. Our objective was to characterize for the first time the soluble factors and the proteomic profile of the secretome and exosomes of canine LSCs (cLSCs). In addition, given the important role that fibroblasts play in the repair of the ocular surface, we evaluated the influence of the secretome and exosomes of cLSCs on their proliferation in vitro. Our results demonstrated a secretory profile of cLSCs with high concentrations of MCP-1, IL-8, VEGF-A, and IL-10, as well as significant production of exosomes. Regarding the proteomic profile, 646 total proteins in the secretome and 356 in exosomes were involved in different biological processes. Functionally, the cLSC secretome showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro, which the exosomes did not. These results open the door to new studies on the possible use of the cLSC secretome or some of its components to treat certain pathologies of the ocular surface in canine species.

El Equipo de Comunicación y Seguimiento de pacientes covid positivo y sus familias (ECoSe). Una apuesta a la salud integral / The Communication and Follow-up Team for Covid-positive patients and their families (ECoSe). A commitment to integral health

El Equipo de Comunicación y Seguimiento de pacientes covid positivo y sus familias (ECoSe) es un equipo interdisciplinario de atención telefónica en el que participan médicas, psicólogas, trabajadoras sociales y personal de otras disciplinas, algunas de ellas en uso de licencia médica, otras jubiladas. ECoSe se crea primero como idea después como proyecto y desde junio de 2020 como realidad a partir del pedido de la Dirección de nuestro hospital (Htal. Evita de Lanús) de que se constituyan equipos de soporte para la contingencia de la Pandemia Covid-19. Se contó con los respectivos marcos disciplinares de cada miembro, con las estrategias y protocolos emanados del Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia y con el devenir reflexivo de la práctica misma en incertidumbre, la cual constituyó un desafío permanente, fuente de mucho trabajo profesional, personal y grupal. Con el transcurrir de los días y de la tarea, en una revisión continua de los resultados y problemas observados, se fueron organizando, al interior de este grupo de trabajo, subgrupos con tareas específicas diferenciales. Llegaron a identificarse tres áreas de atención:  Personal del hospital infectado por coronavirus y sus contactos estrechos.  Personas de la comunidad que se han hisopado en nuestro hospital.  Personas internadas en el Hospital por covid-19 y sus familias. Este Equipo trabaja poniendo en juego habilidades comunicacionales complejas, toda vez que se debe afrontar la situación de dar el diagnóstico de covid 19 y hasta incluso, en el seguimiento mismo, se debe ir realizando la contención emocional de las situaciones que se van presentando en el curso de la enfermedad. Resulta un factor muy importante en la tarea que se realiza, la de favorecer el cumplimiento del aislamiento domiciliario. Ante una situación cambiante y siempre novedosa, los lazos interpersonales, interinstitucionales e intersectoriales han sido y son un aporte fundamental

Consideraciones sobre la relación entre la variación dialectal y el abordaje terapéutico de los trastornos del habla / Considerations on the relationship between dialectal variation and therapeutic approaches to speech disorders

En el ámbito de la salud, se consideran normales los fenómenos frecuentes y esperados en una comunidad o cultura; sin embargo los actuales criterios para definir cuándo intervenir los sonidos del habla se alejan de esta norma al no considerar los aspectos psicosociales del usuario, aproximándose de este modo al modelo biomédico. Tras una revisión de la literatura relevante, se propone la necesidad de establecer nuevos criterios de evaluación e intervención de la articulación con un equipo multidisciplinario, formado por profesionales de la salud, la educación y las ciencias sociales, con perspectiva descriptiva, que se ajuste al modelo biopsicosocial.

In healthcare, phenomena which are frequent and expected in a given community or culture are considered normal. However, the criteria currently used to determine when speech sound interventions should be performed do not adhere to this standard, and do not take into account patients' psychosocial characteristics, but rather continue to follow the biomedical model. After a review of the relevant literature, we propose that new criteria for speech sound evaluation and intervention are needed. We argue that such criteria should be developed by a multidisciplinary group made up of experts in healthcare, education and the social sciences, using a descriptivist framework and adhering to the biopsychosocial model.

Intervención fonoaudiológica para la feminización de la voz en una persona transgénero MTF: estudio de caso / Phoniatric intervention for voice feminization in a transgender person MTF: a case study

El término transgénero hace referencia a aquellas personas cuya identidad de género (masculino -femenino) difiere del sexo (hombre ­mujer). La persona transgénero presenta un conflicto entre la identidad sexual y su condición biológica, debido a que esta última, ya está ajustada a unas características que están dadas desde el nacimiento. Una de las mayores dificultades que presentan es en la feminización de voz, debido a que esta es percibida como la del género opuesto. Por ello, usualmente realizan cambios vocales sin una técnica adecuada, recurriendo principalmente a tratamientos quirúrgicos u hormonales, desconociendo la terapia fonoaudiológica como una alternativa para mejorar su calidad vocal e interacción social. Dado lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la efectividad de la intervención fonoaudiológica para la feminización de la voz en una persona Transgénero MTF (Male to Female). Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo, cuantitativo, usando un diseño longitudinal de serie de estudio de caso de reversión ABA. La intervención se estructuró, principalmente, en tres apartados: evaluación inicial, intervención y reevaluación final. Los resultados mostraron una variación significativa en las cualidades acústico-perceptuales de la voz, la que presentó mayores características de una voz femenina, con modificaciones en el patrón fonorespiratorio y en la postura. En conclusión, la intervención fonoaudiológica fue efectiva debido a que se lograron cambios que permitieron lograr una voz más femenina en la persona tratada.

The term transgender denotes a person whose gender identity (male-female) is different from their sex (men-women). A transgender person presents a contradiction between sexual identity and biological condition, because the latter is determined by certain given characteristics since birth. One of the most difficult issues is the feminization of the person's voice (in the case if male to female), since it is perceived as being in the opposite end of gender. For this reason, usually male to female transgenders engage in vocal changes without appropriate techniques, resorting mostly to surgical procedures or hormonal treatments and ignoring speech and language therapy as an alternative to improve their vocal quality and social interaction. Therefore, the main goal of this work was to determine the effectiveness of the phoniatric intervention in order to produce the feminization of the voice in a transgender individual MTF. The methodology used is a quantitative, descriptive, using a longitudinal design of ABA reversion case study series. The intervention was structured in three main sections: initial evaluation, intervention and final re-evaluation. The results showed a significant variation in the acoustic perceptual qualities of the voice, with a more feminine voice involving modifications in the phonorespiratory pattern and in the posture. In conclusion, the phoniatric intervention was effective because achieved changes led to a more feminine voice.

Estimación de las desviaciones volumétricas de dosis entregada vs. planificada durante el tratamiento de hipertiroidismo con 131I: resultados preliminares / Estimation of volumetric dose distribution delivery deviations vs. dose planned in 131I hyperthyroidism treatment: preliminary results

Resumen En 2013, la Asociación Europea de Medicina Nuclear (AEMN) recomendó un "Procedimiento estándar" para desarrollar la dosimetría individual pretratamiento del Hipertiroidismo con 131I basada en la captación y en cinética tiroidea del paciente. Para estimar las desviaciones en la distribución de dosis entregada vs planificada al volumen tiroideo bajo este procedimiento, se desarrolló y verificó una aplicación en Matlab. Esta aplicación desarrolla el ajuste de la farmacocinética tiroidea, los cálculos de actividad acumulada, la estimación de la masa funcional tiroidea, el cálculo de la actividad a administrar para garantizar la dosis prescrita por el médico, y estimar el mapa tridimensional (3D) de dosis y los parámetros estadísticos relacionados que la caracterizan. La aplicación desarrollada se verificó empleando una imagen-maniquí y 6 farmacocinéticas conocidas. Además, se estimaron y verificaron los parámetros dosimétricos de planificación en 6 pacientes con dosis prescritas entre 150-400 Gy (promedio 241,67 Gy). Las distribuciones de actividad acumulada y de dosis absorbida fueron marcadamente heterogéneas. La distribución de dosis 3D mostró desviaciones estándar entre 18,01-27,08 % de la dosis prescrita. Las diferencias entre la dosis máxima y mínima por voxel/MBq de actividad administrada fue de 74-129 %. De acuerdo a los resultados, sólo entre el 50,2 % y 71,4 % de volumen tiroideo se tratará con la dosis prescrita ±20 %. Conclusiones: la dosis administrada al tejido tiroideo es no-homogénea y discrepa significativamente de la prescrita en algunas regiones, situación que requiere estudios posteriores más profundos con el objetivo de optimizar el tratamiento y sus resultados.

Abstract In 2013, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Dosimetry Committee recommends a "Standard Operational Procedures for Hyperthyroidism Pre-Therapeutic Dosimetry" based on the assessment of the individual 131I uptake and kinetics. To estimate the 3D dose delivery deviations from prescribed dose during patient specific application of this SOP, a computer Matlab application was developed and verified. It was design to execute: radiopharmaceutical curve fitting, cumulated activity calculations, functional thyroid mass estimation, obtain the therapeutic planning activity to warranty the prescribed dose and produce the 3D planning dose map and related dosimetry parameters. 6 patients with 150-400Gy prescribed dose data planning (average 241,67Gy) were analysed using the developed application. The developed system was verify successfully using a test image phantom and 6 known pharmacokinetics data. The tridimensional thyroid volume cumulated activity and dose distributions were heterogeneous. 3D dose distribution showed standard deviations between 18.01-27.08 % of prescribed dose. The differences between maximum and minimum dose value per voxel/MBq were 74-129%. According to the result, between 50,2 % and 71,4 % of patient's thyroid will be treat with a dose of DP±20 % of planned dose, the rest will be overdose or sub dose. Conclusions: the 3D treatment planning dose distribution were completely no-homogenous, the significant difference observed should be study in the future more deeply in order to optimized the hyperthyroidism iodine treatment.

Influencia del estigma social en la rehabilitación y reinserción social de personas esquizofrénicas / Influence of social stigma on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of schizophrenic people

Introducción: El estigma es un constructo social que incluye actitudes, sentimientos, creencias y comportamiento que está configurado como prejuicio y trae como consecuencias discriminatorias hacia la persona estigmatizada. Las personas que padecen algún trastorno mental son uno de los grupos más estigmatizados de nuestra sociedad, especialmente las que padecen esquizofrenia. Objetivo: Fundamentar cómo el estigma social influye de manera negativa en la rehabilitación y reinserción social de las personas que padecen Esquizofrenia. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en fuentes de información disponibles en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud de la red telemática Infomed, entre ellas, las bases de datos SciELO, Pubmed/Medline, Cumed, Lilacs, así como el Google académico. Finalmente se seleccionaron para nuestro estudio un total de 38 referencias. Desarrollo: El estigma se considera un constructo social y está asociado a numerosos factores psicológicos, sociológicos, históricos, así como a la representación social que se tenga de la causa de la estigmatización. Puede clasificarse de varias maneras y su abordaje resulta sumamente complejo, especialmente en lo relacionado con la Esquizofrenia. Conclusiones: El estigma social, unido a la representación que sobre la Esquizofrenia persiste en nuestro medio, son fenómenos que impiden una adecuada reinserción social en este tipo de pacientes. Urge el desarrollo de estrategias que modifiquen los falsos conceptos que sobre a enfermedad mental, persisten en nuestra sociedad(AU)

Introduction: Stigma is a social construct that includes attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and behavior that is configured as prejudice and brings about discriminatory consequences toward the stigmatized person. People who suffer from a mental disorder are recognized as one of the most stigmatized groups in our society, especially those who suffer from Schizophrenia. Objective: To establish how social stigma has a negative influence on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of people suffering from Schizophrenia. Material and Methods: A bibliographic review was made through the search of information in sources available from the Cuban National Health Care Network and Portal (INFOMED), among them, databases such as SciELO, Pubmed / Medline, Cumed, Lilacs, as well as Google Scholar. Finally, a total of 38 references were selected for our study. Development: Stigma is considered a social construct and is associated with many psychological, sociological, and historical factors, as well as the social representation of the cause of stigmatization. It can be classified in several ways. Its approach is extremely complex, especially when it is related to Schizophrenia. Conclusions: The social stigma, together with the representation in Schizophrenia that persists in our environment, are phenomena that prevent an adequate social reintegration in these patients. The development of strategies that modify the false concepts that persist over mental illness in our society is an urgent concern(AU)

Allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in dogs with refractory atopic dermatitis: clinical efficacy and safety.

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a 10-15 per cent prevalence. Current treatments vary in their efficacy and safety. The immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them a promising alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of allogeneic canine adipose MSCs (cAd-MSCs) in dogs with refractory AD. Twenty-six dogs, suffering from AD for at least 12 months, not responding to conventional therapy, received an intravenous dose of 1.5×106 cAd-MSCs/kg bodyweight. Clinical signs, haematological and biochemistry profiles, and AD severity were assessed in a six-month follow-up using a validated scoring system (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, version 4 (CADESI-04)). The degree of pruritus was quantified using a validated visual analogue scale, and also owner's global assessment of treatment efficacy. Twenty-two animals completed the study. Pruritus and CADESI-04 scores decreased significantly after one week or month of treatment, respectively, and remained stable for six months. Owner's global assessment score was 2.15±1.15 for all the animals in the study. In conclusion, systemic administration of allogeneic cAd-MSCs appeared to be a simple therapy with positive outcome in the remission of clinical signs for AD refractory to conventional medications, for at least six months and with no adverse events.

Safety and efficacy of the mesenchymal stem cell in feline eosinophilic keratitis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Feline eosinophilic keratitis (FEK) is a chronic keratopathy caused by a suspected immune mediated response to an unknown antigenic stimulus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and therapeutic effects of allogeneic feline adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (fAd-MSCs) implanted subconjunctival around the ocular surface lesion in five cats with FEK refractory to current available treatments. RESULTS: FEK was diagnosed by clinical appearance and evidence of eosinophil and/or mast cells in corneal cytology. Each animal was treated with two applications of 2 × 106 million of fAd-MSCs 2 months apart. Ocular surface integrity was assessed before treatment and at 1, 3, 6 and 11 months after treatment. Clinical signs showed a significant change during the follow-up with resolution of the corneal and conjunctiva lesions and there were no signs of regression or worsening. CONCLUSIONS: Implanted cells were well-tolerated and effective reducing clinical signs of FEK with a sustained effect during the study period. None of the animals showed systemic or local complications during the study. To our knowledge, this is the first time in literature that local implantation of allogeneic fAd-MSCs has been found as an effective therapeutic alternative to treat cats with FEK.

Long-term outcomes of the aphakic snap-on Boston type I keratoprosthesis at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

PURPOSE: To determine the indications, long-term clinical and visual outcomes, and complications of the aphakic snap-on type I Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro). DESIGN: Retrospective, non-comparative case series. METHODS: Forty-five eyes of 43 patients with type I aphakic snap-on KPros with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. The past medical histories, preoperative indications, best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs), postoperative complications, and retention rates were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common indication for KPro implantation was a failed corneal graft (89%). The mean preoperative BCVA was count fingers-hand motion (2.14±0.45 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), which initially improved to 20/200 (1.04±0.85 logMAR; P<0.0001). At the last examination, 24 eyes (53%) maintained some visual gain, 22% retained their preoperative visual acuity, and 24% lost vision due to postoperative events and underlying ocular comorbidities. Postoperative complications included retroprosthetic membranes (8/45, 18%), corneal melts (5/45, 11%), glaucoma progression (6/45, 13%), and endophthalmitis or sterile vitritis (6/45, 13%). The KPro retention rate was 89%, with a mean follow-up of 51 months. The mean BCVA at the last visit was 20/1,400 (1.82±0.92 logMAR). CONCLUSION: Most patients experienced improved visual acuity after the implantation of the aphakic, snap-on type I KPro; however, the visual gains were not sustained over time, correlating with the onset of postoperative complications.

Water and sediment quality assessment in the Colastiné-Corralito stream system (Santa Fe, Argentina): impact of industry and agriculture on aquatic ecosystems.

The present study focuses on the evaluation of metal (chromium, copper, and lead), arsenic, and pesticide (atrazine and endosulfan) contamination in freshwater streams of one of the most important agricultural and industrial areas of central-eastern Argentina, which has not been reported earlier. The environmental fate of inorganic microcontaminants and pesticides was assessed. Samples were collected monthly for a year. Pesticide concentrations were measured in water; metal and arsenic concentrations were measured in water and sediments, and physicochemical variables were analyzed. In most cases, metals and arsenic in water exceeded the established guideline levels for the protection of aquatic biota: 98 and 56.25% of the samples showed higher levels of Cr and Pb, while 81.25 and 85% of the samples presented higher values for Cu and As, respectively. Cr, Pb, Cu, and As exceeded 181.5 times, 41.6 times, 57.5 times, and 12.9 times, respectively, the guideline level values. In sediment samples, permitted levels were also surpassed by 40% for Pb, 15% for As, 4% for Cu, and 2% for Cr. Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) demonstrated that most of the sediment samples were highly polluted by Cr and Cu and very seriously polluted by Pb, which indicates progressive deterioration of the sediment quality. Atrazine never exceeded them, but 27% of the 48 water samples contained total endosulfan that surpassed the guidelines. The findings of this study suggest risk to the freshwater biota over prolong periods and possible risk to humans if such type of contaminated water is employed for recreation or human use. Improper disposal of industrial effluents and agricultural runoffs need to be controlled, and proper treatment should be done before disposal to avoid further deterioration of the aquifers of this area.

Macrophytes as potential biomonitors in peri-urban wetlands of the Middle Parana River (Argentina).

The aims of this study were to measure the concentrations of nutrients and pollutants in peri-urban wetlands, to analyze the plant morphology of the most representative macrophyte species, and to determine their potential use as biomonitors. Four wetlands in the Middle Paraná River floodplain evidencing contamination or anthropogenic impact were studied. The studied species were Typha domingensis Pers., Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., and Pistia stratiotes L. Besides, the same plant species from an uncontaminated wetland considered as control were studied. A. philoxeroides showed the highest total phosphorus (TP) concentration in leaves throughout the study, while the other species showed a higher TP concentration in roots than in leaves. Since metal concentration in A. philoxeroides tissues was always higher than in sediment, further studies focused on its phytoremediation capacity should be carried out. T. domingensis exhibited the highest Zn concentrations in roots followed by Pb, and E. crassipes presented the highest values of Pb concentrations in roots. The aerial part height of the plants from peri-urban wetlands was significantly higher than that of the plants from the control, while the root length was significantly lower. The root length of P. stratiotes showed a negative correlation with soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentration in water. All the root anatomical parameters of T. domingensis and E. crassipes showed a positive correlation with nitrate and ammonium concentrations in water. The studied macrophytes evidenced a high tolerance, enabling them to grow and survive in peri-urban wetlands that receive pollution from different sources. The use of aquatic and wetland plants as contaminant bioindicators and bioaccumulators in the Middle Paraná River floodplain is completely feasible.

Regenerative Therapies in Dry Eye Disease: From Growth Factors to Cell Therapy.

Dry eye syndrome is a complex and insidious pathology with a high level of prevalence among the human population and with a consequently high impact on quality of life and economic cost. Currently, its treatment is symptomatic, mainly based on the control of lubrication and inflammation, with significant limitations. Therefore, the latest research is focused on the development of new biological strategies, with the aim of regenerating affected tissues, or at least restricting the progression of the disease, reducing scar tissue, and maintaining corneal transparency. Therapies range from growth factors and cytokines to the use of different cell sources, in particular mesenchymal stem cells, due to their multipotentiality, trophic, and immunomodulatory properties. We will review the state of the art and the latest advances and results of these promising treatments in this pathology.

Use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a canine model.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye disease (DED) is an immune-mediated multifactorial disease, with high level of prevalence in humans and dogs. Our aim in this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (Ad-MSCs) implanted around the lacrimal glands in 12 dogs (24 eyes) with KCS, which is refractory to current available treatments. Schirmer tear test (STT) and ocular surface integrity were assessed at 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment. Average STT values and all clinical signs showed a statistically significant change (P < 0.001) during the follow-up with reduction in all ocular parameters scored: ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperaemia, and corneal changes, and there were no signs of regression or worsening. Implanted cells were well tolerated and were effective reducing clinical signs of KCS with a sustained effect during the study period. None of the animals showed systemic or local complications during the study. To our knowledge, this is the first time in literature that implantation of allogeneic Ad-MSCs around lacrimal glands has been found as an effective therapeutic alternative to treat dogs with KCS. These results could reinforce a good effective solution to be extrapolated to future studies in human.

Long-term follow-up of a supradescemetic keratoprosthesis in rabbits: an immunofluorescence study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term clinical and immunohistological outcome of two different non-penetrating keratoprosthesis (KPro) implanted in non-injured rabbit corneas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three rabbits underwent implantation of a pHEMA-MMA(34) synthetic cornea in the supradescemetic space, and PMMA synthetic corneas in the supradescemetic space and within the central stroma. Animals were followed for at least 24 months before euthanasia. Periodic evaluation was performed with slit-lamp examination and photography. At the end of the follow-up, histological examination including hematoxylin eosin staining and immunocharacterization against collagen IV, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and macrophages was performed. RESULTS: The pHEMA-MMA(34) implant was not extruded, and remained transparent until the end of follow-up. This material did not induce any cell infiltration, corneal scarring or tissue remodeling in the surrounding stroma as shown by immunofluorescence. In contrast, synthetic corneas made of PMMA-induced myofibroblast differentiation, stromal remodeling and macrophage infiltration. This reaction was even more significant in the rabbit with the PMMA implant within the corneal stroma. CONCLUSION: pHEMA-MMA(34) was clinically biocompatible, and did not induce any inflammatory reaction or scarring when implanted in the supradescemetic space. This material showed more promising biocompatibility results than for PMMA, whether implanted within the central cornea stroma or in the supradescemetic space.

Functionalised polysiloxanes as injectable, in situ curable accommodating intraocular lenses.

The aged eye's ability to change focus (accommodation) may be restored by replacing the hardened natural lens with a soft gel. Functionalised polysiloxane macromonomers, designed for application as an injectable, in situ curable accommodating intraocular lens (A-IOL), were prepared via a two-step synthesis. Prepolymers were synthesised via ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D(4)) and 2,4,6,8-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D(4)(H)) in toluene using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) as catalyst. Hexaethyldisiloxane (HEDS) was used as the end group to control the molecular weight of the prepolymers, which were then converted to macromonomers by hydrosilylation of the SiH groups with allyl methacrylate (AM) to introduce polymerisable groups. The resulting macromonomers had an injectable consistency and thus, were able to be injected into and refill the empty lens capsular bag. The macromonomers also contained a low ratio of polymerisable groups so that they may be cured on demand, in situ, under irradiation of blue light, in the presence of a photo-initiator, to form a soft polysiloxane gel (an intraocular lens) in the eye. The pre-cure viscosity and post-cure modulus of the polysiloxanes, which are crucial factors for an injectable, in situ curable A-IOL application, were controlled by adjusting the end group and D(4)(H) concentrations, respectively, in the ROP. The macromonomers were fully cured within 5 min under light irradiation, as shown by the rapid change in modulus monitored by photo-rheology. Ex vivo primate lens stretching experiments on an Ex Vivo Accommodation Simulator (EVAS) showed that the polysiloxane gel refilled lenses achieved over 60% of the accommodation amplitude of the natural lens. An in vivo biocompatibility study in rabbits using the lens refilling (Phaco-Ersatz) procedure demonstrated that the soft gels had good biocompatibility with the ocular tissue. The polysiloxane macromonomers meet the targeted optical and mechanical properties of a young natural crystalline lens and show promise as candidate materials for use as injectable, in situ curable A-IOLs for lens refilling procedures.

Optomechanical response of human and monkey lenses in a lens stretcher.

PURPOSE: To quantify the forces necessary to change the shape and optical power of human and monkey lenses. METHODS: Cynomolgus monkey (n = 48; age: 3.8-11 years), rhesus monkey (n = 35; age: 0.7-17 years) and human (n = 20, age 8-70 years) eyes obtained postmortem, including the lens, capsule, zonules, ciliary body, and sclera were mounted in an optomechanical lens-stretching system. Starting at zero load, the lenses were symmetrically stretched in a stepwise fashion in 0.25- or 0.5-mm steps. The load, lens diameter, inner ciliary body diameter, and lens power were measured at each step and the diameter- and power-load responses were quantified. RESULTS: The diameter- and power-load responses were found to be linear in the physiologically relevant range of stretching. The average change in cynomolgus, rhesus, and human lens diameter, respectively, was 0.094, 0.109, and 0.069 mm/g in young lenses, and 0.069, 0.067, and 0.036, mm/g in older lenses. For the same lenses, the average change in lens power was -3.73, -2.83, and -1.22 D/g in young lenses and -2.46, -2.16, and -0.49 D/g in older lenses. CONCLUSIONS: The force necessary to change the lens diameter and lens power increases with age in human and monkey lenses. The results agree with the Helmholtz theory of accommodation and with presbyopia theories that predict that the force required to disaccommodate the lens increases with age.

Assessment of the strength of minicapsulorhexes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of age, size, position, and species on the strength of minicapsulorhexes. SETTING: Surgical Suite and Laser Laboratory, Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. METHODS: Capsulorhexes 0.7 to 2.3 mm in diameter were made centrally or peripherally in 35 eye-bank eyes and 32 rabbit eyes. A custom-made instrument stretched the capsulorhexes until rupture. Load and stretch at rupture were recorded. RESULTS: Maximum load and stretch were 26.3 mN +/- 20.3 (SD) and 50% +/- 18% for central and 50.8 +/- 20.5 mN and 69% +/- 17% for peripheral capsulorhexes in eye-bank eyes and 19.8 +/- 15.2 mN and 38% +/- 13% for central and 13.5 +/- 9.5 mN and 30% +/- 7% for peripheral capsulorhexes in rabbit eyes. Peripheral capsulorhexes were stronger and more elastic than central capsulorhexes in eye-bank eyes, and maximum load and stretch increased statistically with the capsulorhexis diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral minicapsulorhexes were more resistant to rupture than central capsulorhexes in eye-bank eyes, probably because of increased lens capsule thickness at the periphery. An increase in capsulorhexis diameter increased the resistance to rupture.